Accumulation

One night snow dusted our town and accumulated on an ornamental cabbage planted near the kitchen door.

That evening, I moved my seashell collection to an old fishbowl. These were found years ago on beaches from Charleston to Chincoteague, yet I no longer remember collecting them.

For Christmas, I decorated our tree with faux maple leaves found in a box in the carport. I didn't hang the ornaments stored in boxes in the attic, even though there are hundreds.

Over time, things accumulate without anyone intending it to be so.

Leaves are excellent accumulators.

On on a frigid winter day, oak leaves warm the ivy. It is not much cover, but this winter is so cold, any assistance is deeply appreciated.

Leaves blow along the stones on the path, accumulating in small piles.

Beside the front porch, the accumulation of leaves formed a thick black layer of soil over the compacted clay. And on the driveway, the decaying leaves formed their own flower bed on the pavement for a group of self-seeding impatiens. This photo is from summer.

I no longer collect seashells or christmas ornaments. In recent years, accumulations have been unintentional. Beyond the pots, plants and ponds, a garden made from 10 years of hands in the soil. And a marriage made from 33 years as a couple.